Fall Wine Tasting with Sommelier Jenny Benzie

We asked Jenny Benzie, the head sommelier and CEO of Pour Sip Savor in Palm Beach, for her favorite wine and food pairings to enjoy during the fall season.

Benzie notes that in autumn, “there is a switch in white wine from the crisp, dry style to something that has more weight on the palate and complexity, but without the heavy hand of oak.” Château La Nerthe Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 2009 embodies this philosophy and pairs well with fall dishes like curried sweet potato-apple soup or pork schnitzel and baked apples with fennel.

“For easy drinking, I like a blend from the Southern Rhône in France that will have moderate complexity with some pepper and spice,” Benzie says. She suggests pairing J.L. Chave Côtes-du-Rhône Mon Coeur 2011 with a Rustico pizza topped with arugula, Stracchino cheese, pancetta and garlic.

“For a special occasion, I want a dry red wine that has rich tannins but is not overextracted with tons of fruit and alcohol.” Pair Nino Negri’s 5 Stelle Sfursat di Valtellina 2009 with a Tuscan-style veal chop grilled with olive oil.

Benzie describes Psi Ribera del Duero 2010 as “rich and intense on the nose and velvety on the palate; the finish lingers on and on.” She likes to pair this Spanish wine with braised lamb with roasted squash and onion sauce.

This intimate wine cellar, crafted by Marc-Michaels Interior Design, would be ideal for a small group of connoisseurs looking to savor many bottles.